Il Fornaio

Italian-themed restaurant and bakery chain

Il Fornaio logo

Il Fornaio is a chain of Italian-themed restaurants and bakeries in the United States, known for its authentic Italian cuisine and bakery products. The name "Il Fornaio" translates to "The Baker" in Italian, reflecting the company's origins and focus on traditional Italian baking techniques.

History

Il Fornaio was founded in 1972 in Milan, Italy, as a baking school. The school was established to teach the art of traditional Italian baking, focusing on bread and pastries. In 1981, the first Il Fornaio bakery opened in the United States, in San Francisco, California. The success of the bakery led to the expansion into a full-service restaurant, offering a wide range of Italian dishes.

The chain grew throughout the 1980s and 1990s, expanding to multiple locations across the United States. Each restaurant is designed to provide an authentic Italian dining experience, with a menu that includes pasta, pizza, and other Italian specialties, alongside freshly baked bread and pastries.

Cuisine

Il Fornaio's menu is inspired by the diverse culinary traditions of Italy, with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients. The restaurants offer a variety of dishes, including:

• Antipasti: Traditional Italian appetizers such as bruschetta, calamari, and carpaccio.
• Pasta: A selection of pasta dishes, including classics like spaghetti carbonara, fettuccine alfredo, and lasagna.
• Pizza: Wood-fired pizzas with a variety of toppings, from margherita to quattro formaggi.
• Secondi: Main courses featuring meats, seafood, and vegetarian options, such as chicken marsala, grilled salmon, and eggplant parmigiana.
• Dolci: Desserts including tiramisu, panna cotta, and cannoli.

The bakery section of Il Fornaio offers a range of artisanal breads and pastries, baked fresh daily. Popular items include ciabatta, focaccia, and biscotti.

Locations

Il Fornaio operates numerous locations across the United States, primarily in California, but also in other states such as Nevada, Colorado, and Virginia. Each location is designed to reflect the ambiance of a traditional Italian trattoria, with rustic decor and an open kitchen.

Il Fornaio in Reston, VA

Corporate Structure

Il Fornaio is a privately held company, with its headquarters located in Corte Madera, California. The company is committed to sustainability and community involvement, sourcing ingredients from local and organic producers whenever possible.

Related Pages

• Italian cuisine
• List of Italian restaurants
• Bakery
• Pasta
• Pizza